Sexual assault case: Asaram says he doesn't enjoy political support

Bhopal: Self-proclaimed godman Asaram on Thursday lost his cool when asked whether he has been enjoying political protection in the sexual assault case of a minor girl. Lashing out at the mediapersons, he said, "I do not have any political support. Do not irritate me."

Vociferously denying that he was being shielded politically, he said he was ready to go to jail. He held Congress President Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul Gandhi responsible for his present state of affairs.

Asaram has only 24 hours with him to appear for questioning in connection with sexual assault charges levelled by a 15-year-old girl in his Jodhpur ashram. Rejecting his plea asking for more time to appear for questioning, police sources said he will be arrested if he fails to cooperate with the investigation.

DCP Ajay Kumar Lamba said, "Police team that had gone to Chhindwara, Shahajapur and Indore have returned. Investigations conducted by them corroborates earlier investigations conducted while the girl was in Jodhpur. Charges levelled against Asaram Bapu were found to be correct."

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot maintained that no one is above law in the state. He said, "Law and order is a state matter. No one should interfere in the process of law. Religious leaders should keep themselves away from the controversies."